Multi-layered bonded closure system for foam tubes or profiles

ABSTRACT

By providing a multi-layered, self-sealing, adhesive system constructed for being laminated directly to a thermoplastic or elastomeric elongated tube, a highly effective, easily employed, closure system for securely sealing the elongated slit of elongated, thermoplastic or elastomeric tubes is obtained. In the preferred embodiment, the multi-layered, self-adhering, sealing system of this invention is manufactured in a substantially continuous elongated strip and incorporates a laminating film layer and a film support layer. In this way, secure, integral bonded affixation of the sealing system to the elongated tube is attained in a unique cost-effective, highly efficient manufacturing process. In addition, by integrally affixing the laminating film layer and the film support layer along both sides of the elongated slit of the tube, an adhesive engaging surface is provided for assuring secure, leak-free sealed closure of the elongated tube.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to closure systems for elongated, thermoplasticor elastomeric tubes formed for peripherally surrounding elongated pipesand, more particularly, to such elongated insulating tubes wherein theclosure system is intimately bonded to the tube and is easily sealablefor securely mounting the tube about a pipe.

BACKGROUND ART

With the ever increasing importance being placed upon energyconservation, an increasing number of domestic and commercial heatingand cooling systems are being insulated, in order to reduce or eliminatetemperature losses occurring along the pipes which carry heating orcooling fluid. In particular, in conventional hot water delivery andheating installations, hot water is carried through elongated pipes,which are mounted in basements or unheated plenums.

It has been found that a substantial amount of heat loss is experiencedthrough the walls of the pipes due to radiation through the walls of thepipe into the lower temperature basement or plenum. In order tovirtually eliminate or substantially reduce this considerable energyloss, insulation has been wrapped around the pipe. In addition, theinsulation of pipes also virtually eliminates condensation on the outersurfaces of the pipes, as well as pipe corrosion, particularly fromwater in underground installations.

The most popular insulation systems comprise wrapping fiberglass aroundthe elongated pipes, or installing elongated, pre-cut cylindricallyshaped tubes of elastomeric or thermoplastic material. Due to the easeof installation and handling, the pre-slit thermoplastic or elastomericinsulating tubes have become extremely popular.

In order to install these insulating tubes, the tube is merely openedalong the longitudinally extending slit formed therein and extending theentire length of the tube. In this way, the insulating tube is quicklyand easily positioned about the fluid carrying conduit, providing thedesired insulation thereto. In addition, pipe bends or other junctionsare easily handled by merely cutting the tubes to the appropriate shapein order to meet with the adjacent insulation material.

In order to properly install the pre-slit, elongated insulating tubes,the longitudinally extending tube must be sealed to prevent unwantedheat loss or water seepage through the slit. It is this requirement forsealing the tube which has caused the greatest problems.

Most prior art systems typically incorporate external means, such astape, glue, clips, or cement to provide the desired adhesion between theslit surfaces. However, these systems are extremely unpopular, due tothe cumbersome nature of installing the external adhesive or fasteningmeans, as well as the difficulty in assuring that the entire slit hasbeen sealed and that no open zones have been left. Complete sealing isextremely important, since open zones allow temperature losses, or waterseepage to occur, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the insulation.

One of the principal difficulties encountered with prior art tape,cement and glue sealing systems is the inability of the slit to becompletely sealed. As a result, leaks occur, resulting in heat loss.

Prior art tape systems, whether separately applied or integrally formedwith the tube, are incapable of being securely affixed to the surface ofthe foam tube, due to the physical construction of the tube's surface.Consequently, these prior art tape sealing systems tend to peel off ofthe tube, causing the tube to open. In addition, these tape systems areextremely expensive, add additional labor costs, and cannot be recycled.

The use of cement or glue is also extremely unpopular due to itsinherent, labor-intensive, time-consuming and messy nature. Furthermore,the glue or cement material and application must be separately purchasedand brought to each site for use. As a result, this system has not beenaccepted by the industry.

In an attempt to satisfy the demand for a locking or sealing systemwhich does not require adhesive strips, cement, or glue, variousexternal locking clamps, clips, or fastening devices have beenconstructed. However, all of these prior art systems have proven to beunpopular, due to the requirement that the installer must carry extramaterial, namely the external fastener, and the installation of theseexternal fasteners is tedious, time consuming and expensive.Furthermore, these fasteners tend to fall off, thereby allowing the slitto open. As a result, these prior art systems have not becomesuccessful.

Other systems incorporate an elongated tongue-and-groove closure system,with the tongue-and-groove longitudinally extending along the entirelength of the tube, formed in the opposed side walls of the slit.However, although this construction eliminates the need for externalfasteners, tape, or cement, this system has proven to be unsuitable insolving industry's problems. Typically, substantial heat loss does occurand unwanted opening of the slit often occurs. In addition to suchinstallation and use problems, stiffening material is required, whichadds extra expense and labor to the production of these tubes.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to providea closure system for elongated, thermoplastic or elastomeric tubes whichis integrally affixed to the tube and is quickly and easily employed,without requiring the use of any external material, providing rapidinstallation about any elongated pipe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a closure systemfor elongated, thermoplastic or elastomeric tubes, having thecharacteristic features described above which provides a high degree ofinsulation for preventing or reducing heat loss from fluid carryingpipes and which is convenient to employ and provides a dependable,secure locking arrangement that is achieved with simplicity and ease,assuring time-efficient installation thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a closure systemfor elongated, thermoplastic or elastomeric tubes, having thecharacteristic features described above, which is inexpensive tomanufacture and provides a secure, dependable, trouble-free bondedinterengagement with the tube, virtually eliminating unwanted peeling ordislodgement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a closure systemfor elongated, thermoplastic or elastomeric tubes, having thecharacteristic features described above, which completely eliminates theneed for any stiffening material, internally or externally, formedtherewith.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a closure systemfor elongated, thermoplastic or elastomeric tubes, having thecharacteristic features described above, which allows the tubes to bequickly and easily installed inexpensively and rapidly.

Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties anddrawbacks encountered in prior art closure systems have been eliminatedand a highly effective, easily employed, closure system for securelysealing the elongated slit of elongated, thermoplastic or elastomerictubes is realized. In the present invention, these prior art drawbacksand difficulties are eliminated by employing a multi-layered,self-sealing, adhesive system which is laminated directly to thethermoplastic or elastomeric elongated tube.

In order to impart the desired insulation to the pipe or conduit aboutwhich the elongated tube is mounted, the tube is formed of substantiallythick material. In this way, coverage and insulation of the fluidcarrying pipe is realized and unwanted temperature loss and energy lossis prevented. Typically, the elongated tube is formed from a foamed,cellular thermoplastic or elastomeric material. One such material oftenemployed is foamed, closed cell polyethylene. This material is preferredsince this cellular foamed thermoplastic material provides a high degreeof insulation for its size and weight. However, other materials withsubstantially equivalent characteristics may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention.

By providing a sealing system which is laminated directly to the outersurface of the polyethylene, thermoplastic, or elastomeric foam tube,the sealing system is effectively integrally bonded to the outer surfaceof the elongated tube. In this way, virtually 100% adhesiveinterengagement is attained, and a sealing system is achieved which isincapable of being unwantedly removed from the tube. By employing thepresent invention, removal of the adhesive system is attained only byphysically destroying the integrity of the elongated polyethylene,thermoplastic, or elastomeric foamed tube itself.

As discussed above, prior art closure systems have been developed whichemploy an adhesive backed carrier tape or film which is affixed to thefoam tube by contacting the adhesive layer with the foam tube. Theseprior art closure systems have been employed on the outside surface ofthe elongated foam tube spanning the elongated slit, as well as alongthe side edges forming the elongated slit. However, regardless of whicharea of the foam tube is used, these prior art systems are incapable ofproviding secure, peel-resistant bonded interengagement with the foamtube.

As is well known in the art, thermoplastic and elastomeric foam tubescomprise extremely irregular, non-smooth surfaces which incorporatenumerous depressions or craters randomly dispersed throughout thesurface. This construction results in randomly located upstanding ridgesor sections forming the outer peripheral surface thereof.

In view of this well-known construction, the use of adhesive backedtapes or films as the means for sealing the elongated slit have provento be ineffective, since the contact between the adhesive layer and thesurface of the film is made only along the upstanding ridges or sectionswhich form the outer surface of the foam tube. Consequently, only randompoint contact is realized, resulting in insufficient bonding strength toassure a consistent, long-term, uniform, securely affixed adhesion ofthe tape or film to the surface of the foam tube. As a result, theseprior art systems generally fail to provide the desired secure sealing,and typically result in loosening or dislodgement of the tape from thetube and unwanted opening of the elongated slit.

In the present invention, all of these prior art difficulties anddrawbacks have been eliminated by achieving a unique, multi-layeredclosure system and applying the uniquely constructed, multi-layeredclosure system to the elongated thermoplastic or elastomeric tube in anovel and unobvious construction. In accordance with the presentinvention, both the resulting product and its method of applicationconstitute the unique features of this invention.

As detailed above, typical prior art systems incorporate a supportingbase or carrier layer on which adhesive material is coated. Then, usingthis adhesive coated carrier in one of a variety of alternateconstructions, the prior art systems merely apply the adhesive coatedcarrier to the thermoplastic or elastomeric tube member. In someinstances, an additional coated strip is applied along half of thecarrier layer to form a release strip which allows a portion of theadhesive backed carrier layer to be applied along one side of the slit,while the other side of the slit is secured to the adhesive backedcarrier layer after mounting of the elongated tube about the desiredconduit and removal of the release strip. However, regardless of whichconstruction is employed, these prior art attempts have been completelyincapable of satisfying user needs.

In the present invention, the multi-layered bonded closure systemcomprises an adhesive backed carrier layer along with the uniqueincorporation of a second carrier layer. In addition, one side of thesecond carrier layer is mounted to the adhesive layer, with the opposedside thereof being bonded to a thin strip of polyethylene or other heatlaminating film. When the preconstructed multi-layered closure system isapplied to the thermoplastic or elastomeric foam tube member, thepolyethylene or heat laminating film is heated to its laminatingtemperature and laminated directly to the outer surface of thethermoplastic or elastomeric foam tube. In this way, the multilayeredclosure system is securely bonded to the outer surface of the foam tube,and secure, integral, bonded interengagement of the closure system tothe foam tube is attained.

The width of the multi-layered closure system is constructed to providesecure, bonded interengagement thereof with the foam tube. Typically, awidth ranging between about 1 and 3 inches is sufficient for mostapplications. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, one-half thewidth of the multilayered bonded closure system also incorporates anelongated strip of release paper interspersed between the first andsecond carrier layers, in overlying protective engagement with theadhesive layer.

In this way, one-half of the multi-layered bonded closure system forms asealing flap which can be activated by the user upon removal of therelease paper and contacting the adhesive layer with the second carrierlayer. Since the opposed surface of the second carrier layer is bondedto the thermoplastic or elastomeric foam tube, the adhesiveinterengagement of the first carrier layer with the second carrier layerprovides the desired sealed closure of the elongated tube in the desiredposition. With the free, release strip bearing sealing flap beingpositioned in overlying cooperating engagement with the slit of the foammember, the user is able to easily and effectively close the slit of thefoam member, when desired, establishing a secure, permanently sealedclosure thereof.

The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and relation ofone or more such steps with respect to each of the others, and thearticle possessing the features, property, and relation of elementswhich are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and thescope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side elevation view, partially broken away,depicting the composite, multi-layered, bonded closure system of thepresent invention integrally laminated to the outer surface of a typicalthermoplastic or elastomeric foam member;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevation view, similar to FIG. 1,depicting the thermoplastic or elastomeric foam member after forming ofa central elongated slit therein;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side elevation view depicting the processemployed in the present invention for securely bonding the multi-layeredclosure system to the elongated foam member and for forming the centralslit therein; and

FIGS. 4-7 are cross-sectional elevation views taken along respectivelines of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

In FIGS. 1 and 2, multi-layered, closure system 20 of the presentinvention is depicted integrally bonded to thermoplastic or elastomericfoam tube or member 21. Throughout the drawings, foam tube 21 isdepicted as an elongated, hollow polyethylene or thermoplastic foam tubewhich incorporates longitudinally extending slit 30 formed thereinextending from the outer peripheral surface thereof to the centralhollow zone.

As discussed above, elongated tube 21 is formed of substantially thickmaterial, to provide insulating and water protecting coverage of thefluid carrying pipe with sufficient material to prevent unwantedtemperature loss, energy loss, and damage. Typically, tube 21 is formedfrom a foamed, cellular thermoplastic material, such as a closed cellpolyethylene. This material is preferred since the cellular foamedthermoplastic material provides a high degree of insulation for its sizeand weight. In addition, elastomeric materials or combinedelastomeric/thermoplastic materials are employed with equal efficacy.

Furthermore, foam tube member 21 is depicted as the product on whichmulti-layered closure system 20 of the present invention is employed.Al-through a foam tube of this construction is the principal productupon which the multi-layered bonded closure system of the presentinvention is applicable, other uses for the multi-layered bonded closuresystem can be made without departing from the scope of this invention,and other material can be employed with equal efficacy. Consequently, itshould be understood that all other applications and all other tubematerials are intended to be encompassed within the scope of thisinvention.

In the preferred embodiment, multi-layered closure system 20 comprises afirst carrier layer 23, which incorporates a first surface 24 and asecond surface 25. As depicted, first surface 24 forms the exposed topsurface of multi-layered closure system 20, while second surface 25 iscoated with adhesive layer 26. Preferably, adhesive layer 26 coverssurface 25 substantially in its entirety and comprises any desiredconventional pressure sensitive adhesive typically employed in productsof this nature.

In the preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a coatedrelease strip or liner 27 is placed in intimate, contacting engagementwith adhesive layer 26, covering about one-half of the width of adhesivelayer 26. As is more fully detailed below, this construction protectsthe covered portion of adhesive layer 26 from unwanted sealing to tube21, until elongated tube 21 has been positioned in the desired locationand is ready for sealing securement in its mounted position.

In accordance with the present invention, multi-layered closure system20 also incorporates a second carrier layer 28 and a laminating filmlayer 29. Second carrier layer 28 comprises surfaces 31 and 32, whilelaminating film layer 29 comprises surfaces 33 and 34.

In the preferred embodiment, surface 32 of second carrier layer 28 issecurely affixed in juxtaposed, overlying, contacting engagement withsurface 33 of laminating film layer 29. In addition, about one-half ofthe width of surface 31 of second carrier layer 28 is securely affixedto the portion of adhesive layer 26 which is exposed and is not incontact with release strip 27. The remainder of surface 31 is injuxtaposed, spaced, facing relationship with release liner 27.

As is fully detailed below, surface 34 of laminating film layer 29 issecurely affixed in intimate, contacting bonded engagement with foamtube 21, during the bonding application process of this invention. Inthis application process, multi-layered closure system 20 of the presentinvention is intimately bonded onto the outer surface of foam tube 21 inorder to be integrally interengaged therewith.

During this bonding application process, heat laminating film layer 29is heated to its laminating temperature or melting point and thenintimately bonded or laminated directly to the outer surface ofthermoplastic or elastomeric foam member 21. As a result, multi-layeredclosure system 20 is affixed in secure, bonded interengagement with theouter surface of foam member 21.

Once this bonded interengagement has been completed, second carrierlayer 28 is incapable of being manually removed or peeled away from foammember 21, without destroying the surface of foam member 21 to which itis intimately affixed. As a result, multi-layered closure system 20 isintimately affixed to foam member 21 in a manner which prevents unwantedremoval of closure system 20 from tube 21. Consequently, the drawbacksand difficulties encountered with prior art products are completelyeliminated.

By employing multi-layered bonded closure system 20 of the presentinvention, it has been found that virtually 100% contact of closuresystem 20 to foam member 21 is realized. This high strength,non-peelable, intimate bonded interengagement is attained due to thefact that laminating film layer 29 is physically melted during thelaminating process, thereby flowing into the pores and crevices existingin the outer surface of foam tube 21.

In addition, during the affixation process, multi-layered closure system20 and the outer surface of foam tube 21 are heated simultaneously andintimately affixed to each other by compression rollers. As a result,the upstanding ridges or sections otherwise existing in the outersurface of foam tube 21 are compressed and a substantially flattersurface area is attained.

In addition to flattening the outer surface of foam tube 21, thelaminating of layer 29 to foam tube 21 causes multi-layered closuresystem 20 to become an integral part of foam tube 21, with secondcarrier layer 28 being intimately bonded to the outer surface of foammember 21. As a result, secure, peel-preventing bonded interengagementof multi-layered closure system 20 to foam tube 21 is attained.

It has been found that the thickness of laminating film layer 29required to attain secure bonding interengagement of multi-layeredclosure system 20 to tube 21 is substantially less than the thicknessrequired for adhesives in typical prior art constructions. In general,the thickness of laminating film layer 29 ranges between about 0.0005and 0.005 inches. This thickness is about one-half of the thicknesstypically required for conventional adhesives affixed to foam tubes.Consequently, substantially less material expense is incurred with thepresent invention, while also obtaining a substantially enhanced,securely affixed bonded interengagement of multi-layered closure system20 to foam tube 21.

Furthermore, any suitable heat sensitive laminating film can be employedfor layer 29. Since polyethylene foamed material is preferred for tube21, it has been found that polyethylene film provides the desiredresults as layer 29. However, although heat laminating polyethylene filmis preferred, other laminating film can be employed with equal efficacy.

Although most laminating films can be employed in this invention, it ispreferred that laminating film layer 29 comprise a melting temperatureranging between about 80° C. and 120° C. In this way, closure system 20is able to be securely bonded to tube 21 using conventional heatingequipment.

In the preferred embodiment, multi-layered closure system 20 isintegrally bonded to foam tube 21 prior to forming longitudinallyextending slit 30 in foam tube 21 as depicted in FIG. 1. Once completed,slit 30 is formed in tube 21 to attain the structure detailed in FIG. 2.

This preferred method is fully detailed below. If desired, however,multi-layered closure system 20 of the present invention can be appliedto foam tube 21 after elongated slit 30 has been formed therein. As aresult, this alternate method may be employed without departing from thescope of this invention.

Whenever the intimate bonding of multi-layered closure system 20 to apre-slit foam tube 21 is desired, one application process is to affixmulti-layered closure system 20 to foam tube 21, spanning elongated slit30. Once multi-layered closure system 20 is securely bonded to the outersurface of foam tube 21 in the desired manner, second carrier layer 28and laminating layer 29 are slit in order to enable slit 30 of foam tube21 to be opened by the user when desired.

In an alternate application process, multi-layered closure system 20 isapplied in two steps, so as to attain the construction depicted in FIG.2. Although this method would require additional processing steps, amethod of this nature may be employed, without departing from the scopeof this invention, in order to attain the secure, intimately bondedclosure system of the present invention.

In constructing the multi-layer bonding closure system of the presentinvention, any desired materials having the capability of functioning inthe manner detailed above can be employed. It has been found, however,that first carrier layer 23 and second carrier layer 28 are bothpreferably formed from mylar.

Due to the strength and flexibility of mylar, the use of this materialis preferred. Furthermore, with mylar comprising top surface 24 ofclosure system 20, it is easy for users to write desired informationdirectly on the mylar tape. This benefit has long been sought by users,but was not attainable with prior art systems.

It has also been found that the thickness of the mylar can be variedbetween about 0.0005 and 0.005 inches, depending upon the particularuses to which multi-layered closure system 20 is to satisfy.

By referring to FIGS. 3-7, along with the following detailed disclosure,the preferred method for intimately bonding multi-layered closure system20 to foam tube 21 can best be understood. In the preferred embodiment,multi-layered closure system 20 is constructed in a continuous elongatedform which is wound about a support member to form a continuouslydispensing roll 35 of multi-layered closure system 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, roll 35 is mounted in juxtaposed, spaced,cooperating relationship with elongated foam tube 21, ready for securebonded application thereto. In the preferred embodiment, continuous,multi-layered closure system 20 extends from roll 35 about positioncontrolling roller 36 to pressure rollers 37, 38, and 39. In addition,elongated foam tube 21 is supported for being continuously advancedrelative to rollers 36, 37, 38, and 39, a portion of the outer surfaceof tube 21 being maintained in continuous engagement with compressionrollers 37, 38, and 39.

Furthermore, heating element 40 is positioned directly adjacent roller37 in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with foam tube 21 andmultilayered closure system 20, as system 20 extends between roller 36and roller 37. Although any suitable heating source can be employed forheating element 40, it is preferred that a hot air blower is employedand positioned in direct, juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationshipwith multi-layered closure system 20, directly prior to the advancementof multi-layered closure system 20 onto foam tube 21.

By employing the construction detailed above, heat laminating film layer29 of multi-layered closure system 20 is exposed to the hot air fromheating element 40, raising the temperature of laminating film layer 29to its melting point just prior to the advancement of multi-layeredclosure system 20 onto the outer surface of foam tube 21. In addition,pressure roller 37 assures that multi-layered closure system 20 isforced in compression onto the surface of elongated foam tube 21,providing intimate, secure, bonded interengagement of laminating filmlayer 29 with foam tube 21.

In order to further enhance and assure the secure, bonded,interconnected engagement of multi-layered closure system 20 with foamtube 21, compression rollers 38 and 39 are also employed to continuouslymaintain multi-layered closure system 20 in forced, compressed,contacting interengagement with the surface of tube 21. In this way, thedesired bonded application of multi-layered closure system 20 with foamtube 21 is assured.

In addition to heating laminating film layer 29 of multi-layered closuresystem 20 to its melting point for providing the bonded interengagementof multi-layered closure system 20 with foam tube 21, heating element 40also raises the temperature of foam tube 21 along the outer surfacethereof to which multi-layered closure system 20 is being affixed. As aresult, the temperature of both multi-layered closure system 20 and foamtube 21 are elevated to assure secure, intimate bonded interengagementwith each other.

As mentioned above, although any desired laminating film can beemployed, it is preferred that laminating film layer 29 comprises amelting point that ranges between 80° C. and 120° C. In this way, thedesired secure bonded affixation of closure system 20 to tube 21 isattained effectively and efficiently with conventionally availableequipment.

As is apparent from FIG. 3 and the foregoing detailed disclosure, theuse of the preferred manufacturing process assures continuoustrouble-free affixation of multi-layered closure system 20 to foam tube21 both efficiently and cost effectively. Furthermore, multi-layeredclosure system 20 is securely bonded to the outer surface of foam tube21 in a continuous, direct application process which is attained with aminimum of components and labor. As a result, an extremely efficient,cost-effective affixation method is realized.

In the preferred embodiment, elongated slit 30 is formed in tube 21immediately after multi-layered closure system 20 is affixed to foamtube 21. In this preferred method, as depicted in FIGS. 3-7,multi-layered closure system 20 advances from the final compressionroller 39 to camming flange 45 and cutting blade 46.

Camming flange 45 is constructed to allow multi-layered closure system20 to slidingly engage camming flange 45, with flange 45 positionedbetween coated release strip 27 and surface 31 of second carrier layer28. In addition, camming flange 45 controllably flexes the portion ofmulti-layered closure system 20 to which release strip 27 is affixed toa position spaced away from surface 31 of carrier layer 28, therebyenabling slit 30 to be formed in foam tube 21 and through second carrierlayer 28 and laminating film layer 29.

When multi-layered closure system 20 advances away from compressionroller 39 towards camming flange 45, second carrier layer 28 issecurely, intimately bonded to foam tube 21. In addition, one-half offirst carrier layer 23 is securely affixed to surface 31 of secondcarrier layer 28 by adhesive layer 26, forming portion 50 ofmulti-layered closure system 20. The remaining half of first carrierlayer 23, with coated release strip 27, forms portion 51 which isflexibly movable relative to the portion of surface 31 above whichrelease strip 27 is in facing relationship.

As depicted in FIGS. 4-7, camming flange 45 is constructed to arcuatelyflex portion 51 away from its normal position in juxtaposed, spaced,relationship with surface 31 of second carrier layer 28. Once fullyflexed into this alternate position the portion of surface 31 of secondcarrier layer 28 which was in facing relationship with strip 27 iscompletely exposed. Once in this position, the top surface of secondcarrier layer 28 and foam tube 21 are cut to form elongated,longitudinally extending slit 30 therein. This elongated slit is formedby cutting blade 46, which is mounted directly adjacent camming flange45 at the precise position where portion 51 is arcuately flexed to themaximum amount.

When multi-layered closure system 20 has cleared cutting blade 46,camming flange 45 terminates, allowing portion 51 to flex back to itsoriginal position in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship withsecond carrier layer 28. However, with elongated slit 30 formed in foamtube 21, second carrier layer 28 and laminating film layer 29,multi-layered closure system 20 of the present invention is complete,ready for final packaging and use as desired.

By employing the process detailed above, a pre-slit foam tube 21 isattained which incorporates multi-layered closure system 20 bonded tothe outer surface thereof. As depicted in FIG. 2, multi-layered closuresystem 20 comprises first carrier layer 23, adhesive layer 26, andrelease strip 27 intimately affixed to one-half of second carrier layer28 and laminating film layer 29, with carrier layer 28 and laminatingfilm layer 29 intimately bonded to tube 21 along one side of slit 30.The second half of second carrier layer 28 and laminating film layer 29is intimately bonded to tube 21 adjacent the other side of slit 30. As aresult, release strip 27 is positioned in juxtaposed spaced relationshipto the exposed surface 31 of second carrier layer 28, ready for affixedinterengagement therewith whenever tube 21 is installed and releasestrip 27 is removed. With this construction, installation of foam tube21 in any desired location is quickly and easily achieved, with closuresystem 20 providing the desired secure affixed mounted interengagementof foam tube 21.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and,since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method andin the articles set forth without departing from the scope of theinvention, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:
 1. A multi-purpose, easily sealable, substantiallycontinuous, elongated tube assembly for being mounted about a conduit orpipe in secure sealingly, affixed closed interengagement about saidconduit or pipe, said elongated tube assembly comprisingA. an elongated,hollow, cylindrically shaped tube membera. formed from thermoplastic orelastomeric materials, and b. incorporating a longitudinally extendingslit formed therein for enabling said elongated tube member to bemounted about a conduit or pipe for peripherally surrounding andenveloping said conduit or pipe; B. a multi-layered closure system forbeing intimately bonded to the outer surface of said elongated tubemember in cooperating relationship with the elongated slit thereof, saidclosure system comprisinga. a first laminating film layer1. integrallybonded to the outside surface of the thermoplastic or elastomericelongated tube member,
 2. positioned directly adjacent a first side ofthe longitudinally extending slit, and
 3. longitudinally extendingsubstantially the entire length of the elongated tube member directlyadjacent the elongated slit, b. a first carrier layer integrally affixedto said first laminating film layer and longitudinally extendingtherewith substantially the entire length of said elongated tube memberdirectly adjacent the elongated slit, with said first carrier layerbeing substantially integrally bonded in non-removable, affixedlaminated interengagement with the first laminating film layer, c. asecond laminating film layer1. integrally bonded to the outside surfaceof the thermoplastic or elastomeric elongated tube member,
 2. positioneddirectly adjacent a second side of the longitudinally extending slit,and
 3. longitudinally extending substantially the entire length of theelongated tube member directly adjacent the elongated slit, d. a secondcarrier layer integrally affixed to said second laminating film layerand longitudinally extending therewith substantially the entire lengthof said elongated tube member directly adjacent the elongated slit, withsaid second carrier layer being substantially integrally bonded innon-removable, affixed laminated interengagement with the secondlaminating film layer,whereby a tube assembly is attained which iscapable of being easily affixed to adhesive backed tape for providingsecure, mounted, closed interengagement of the elongated tube about aconduit or pipe.
 2. The easily scalable, elongated tube assembly definedin claim 1, wherein said first and second laminating film layers arefurther defined as being formulated from material constructed formelting at elevated temperatures and securely intimately bonding thefirst and second carrier layers with the surface of said thermoplasticor elastomeric tube member.
 3. The easily sealable, elongated tubeassembly defined in claim 2, wherein said first and second laminatingfilm layers are further defined as being formed from polyethylene andhaving a thickness ranging between about 0.0005 and 0.005 inches.
 4. Theeasily sealable, elongated tube assembly defined in claim 3, whereinsaid first and second laminating film layers are further defined ascomprising a melting temperature ranging between about 85° C. and 120°C.
 5. The easily scalable, elongated tube assembly defined in claim 1,wherein said first and second carrier layers are further defined ascomprising mylar.
 6. The easily scalable, elongated tube assemblydefined in claim 5, wherein said mylar carrier layers are furtherdefined as comprising a thickness ranging between about 0.0005 and 0.005inches.
 7. The easily sealable, elongated, tube assembly defined inclaim 1, wherein said closure system is further defined as comprisinge.an elongated adhesive support layer comprising an overall widthsubstantially equivalent to the combined width of the first and secondcarrier layers as bonded along both sides of said elongated slit, f. anadhesive layer substantially entirely covering one surface of saidadhesive support layer, g. an easily removed, elongated, release strip1.comprising a width ranging between about 40% and 60% of the width of theadhesive support layer,
 2. affixed to the adhesive layer with one edgethereof in juxtaposed aligned relationship with a first edge of theadhesive supporting layer, and
 3. extending substantially the entirelength of said adhesive support layer in overlying coveringinterengagement with a first portion of said adhesive layer as formed onsaid adhesive support layer, creating a second, exposed adhesiveportion, and h. said second exposed adhesive portion being securelyaffixed to the exposed surface of said first carrier layer, placing theelongated release strip in juxtaposed, spaced, overlying relationshipwith the second carrier layer,whereby an easily sealable tube assemblyis attained incorporating a multi-layered closure system which is inbonded interengagement with the elongated tube member and incorporatesan easily removable release strip for securely affixing the adhesiveportion being covered thereby to the integrally bonded second carrierlayer affixed along the second side of the elongated slit.
 8. The easilysealable, elongated tube assembly defined in claim 7, wherein saidelongated adhesive supporting layer is further defined as being formedfrom mylar.
 9. The easily sealable, elongated tube assembly defined inclaim 8, wherein said elongated adhesive supporting layer is furtherdefined as comprising a thickness ranging between about 0.0005 and 0.005inches.
 10. A multi-layered, elongated closure system for beingintimately bonded to an elongated, hollow thermoplastic or elastomerictube member incorporating a longitudinally extending slit formed thereinfor enabling said elongated tube member to be mounted about a conduit orpipe for peripherally surrounding and enveloping said conduit or pipe,said closure system comprisingA. a first laminating film layerconstructed for being integrally bonded to the outside surface of theelongated tube directly adjacent one side of the longitudinallyextending slit, with said first laminating film layer longitudinallyextending substantially the entire length of the elongated tube member;B. a first carrier layer integrally affixed to said first laminatingfilm layer longitudinally extending therewith and being substantiallyintegrally affixed to said first laminating film layer, C. a secondlaminating film layer constructed for being integrally bonded to theoutside surface of the elongated tube member directly adjacent theopposed side of the longitudinally extending slit with said secondlaminating film layer longitudinally extending directly adjacent theopposed side of the elongated slit substantially the entire length ofthe elongated tube member; D. a second carrier layer integrally affixedto said second laminating film layer and longitudinally extendingtherewith in secure, integrally bonded, interengagement thereto; E. anelongated adhesive support layer comprising an overall widthsubstantially equivalent to the combined width of the first and secondcarrier layers; F. an adhesive layer substantially entirely covering onesurface of said adhesive support layer; G. an easily removed elongatedrelease stripa. comprising a width ranging between about 40% and 60% ofthe width of the adhesive support layer, b. affixed to the adhesivelayer with one edge thereof in juxtaposed, aligned relationship with afirst edge of the adhesive support layer, and c. extending substantiallythe entire length of said adhesive support layer in overlying, coveringinterengagement with a first portion of said adhesive layer as formed onsaid adhesive support layer, thereby creating a second, exposed adhesiveportion; and H. said second exposed adhesive portion being securelyaffixed to the surface of said first carrier layer in a manner placingthe elongated release strip in juxtaposed, spaced, overlyingrelationship with the second carrier layer,whereby a multi-layeredclosure system is attained which is integrally bondable to the elongatedtube member in cooperating relationship with the elongated slit thereofand provides an easily usable closure system for enabling the elongatedtube member to be positioned about any adhesive pipe or conduit andsealingly closed in position by merely removing the release strip fromthe adhesive layer covered thereby and affixing said adhesive to theexposed surface of said second carrier layer.
 11. The multi-layered,elongated closure system defined in claim 10, wherein said first andsecond laminating film layers and said first and second carrier layersare further defined as comprising continuous members integrally affixedto each other and are subsequently split along said elongated slit forforming independent cooperating layers formed on opposed sides of saidelongated slit in juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with saidelongated slit.
 12. The multi-layered, elongated closure system definedin claim 10, wherein said first and second carrier layers and saidadhesive support layer are further defined as being formed from mylar.13. The multi-layered, elongated closure system defined in claim 12,wherein said mylar layers are further defined as comprising a thicknessranging between about 0.0005 and 0.005 inches.
 14. The multi-layered,elongated closure system defined in claim 10, wherein said first andsecond laminating film layers are further defined as being formed frommaterial comprising a melting temperature ranging between about 85° C.and 120° C., thereby enabling said first and second laminating layers tobe integrally bonded to the elongated tube member by conventionaltemperature heating means.
 15. The multi-layered, elongated closuresystem defined in claim 14, wherein said first and second laminatingfilm layers are further defined as comprising a thickness rangingbetween about 0.0005 and 0.005 inches.